The 85-year-old actor was admitted to B M Hospital on January 11 following his return from Kashi. During the trip, Ashwath developed urinary tract infection and had to be hospitalised immediately, following variation in blood pressure. He had suffered a fall at his residence.
Since January 13, his health had deteriorated. And, the actor did not show any visible signs of improvement. The very next day, Ashwath turned unconscious and suffered a stroke.
“He was a diabetic and his age contributed a lot to the complications he suffered. His kidneys failed and dialysis was carried out every three hours on Sunday,” Dr Gorur Janardhan, neurologist, who was treating Ashwath, said.
Ashwath is survived by wife Sharadamma, sons Shankar, Subbukrishna and daughters Vijaya and Nagarathna. The actor’s body was embalmed within hours of his demise and kept for public viewing at H K Javaregowda Park in Saraswati Puram, close to his residence.
Though the actor had expressed his desire to donate his eyes, it was not possible since the eyes had contracted. Thousands thronged the park between 9.45 am and 2.45 pm to pay final respects to the veteran actor.
The mortal remains of the actor were consigned to flames at Harishchandra Ghat, at the foothills of Chamundi in the evening. A state funeral was accorded to the actor, who had won many state and national awards. Ashwath’s son Shankar lit the funeral pyre.
Ashwath, the only “Chamayya Meshtru” of Sandalwood, has acted in over 370 films, including one in English.